FAQ INGREDIENTS
All PATTERN products are paraben-free, free of SLS/SLES, color-safe, free of cyclic silicones, phthalate-free, and formaldehyde-free.
Our products are sold worldwide. As a global brand, our formulas are regulated by the U.S. Food & Drug Administration (FDA), Health Canada, The European Union Cosmetics Regulations & the European chemicals agency known as REACH (Registration, Evaluation, Authorization & Restriction of Chemicals). We further consult the guidelines of the European Commission Scientific Committee on Cosmetic & Non-Food Products (SCCNFP), which conducts safety evaluations on cosmetic ingredients.
In addition, all of our fragrances are formulated in accordance with the International Fragrance Association (IFRA) guidelines. We support ingredient transparency with our community and provide ingredient disclosures on our product labels and website.
In June 2022, PATTERN expanded across the pond into the UK and Europe. In preparation for this launch, our packaging evolved from strictly US-compliant to also reflect EU/UK global standards, French translations and even more ingredient transparency.
We are proud that all of our products have been tested to match the performance, high-quality and experience you’re used to from PATTERN.
PATTERN Products made in 2022 onward do NOT contain Lilial. Butylphenyl Methylpropional (Lilial) is a synthetic fragrance ingredient commonly found in beauty and cleaning products, but, as soon as it categorized as "reprotoxic" by the EU Commission, we immediately began the process to reformulate our fragrance to remove Lilial without compromising our signature PATTERN scent.
Our formulas are US, UK & EU compliant and have undergone strict regulatory testing including dermatology testing. The EU Commission ruled that all EU cosmetics containing lilial must be reformulated by March 1, 2022 – and we did just that.
Yes. Preservatives are used to prevent the growth of harmful bacteria and mold during formulation, storage and consumer use. For example, preservatives such as Phenoxyethanolis, may appear in some of our products – this is a commonly used preservative across cosmetics and personal care products. Preservatives help ensure that your favorite Styling Cream or Strong Hold Gel won’t grow unhealthy bacteria.
All of our products undergo the following testing:
- Stability testing: To ensure our formulas do change in consistency or appearance
- Compatibility testing: To ensure our formulas do not react to the packaging
- Preservative Efficacy: We ensure the preservatives in our formulas can stand up against certain bacteria, mold and yeast.
- pH: We monitor the pH range of every batch of each formula
- Viscosity: We monitor the viscosity of every batch to ensure products remain within an acceptable range
- Freeze/Thaw Testing: We test our formulas in various temperatures to conditions
And more, depending on the product.
We develop our fragrances with stringent regulatory standards, performance, stability, and brand ethos top of mind. From consumer testing to our own team using PATTERN in and out of the shower, we work hard to develop the best fragrances for you.
In addition, all of our fragrances are formulated in accordance with the International Fragrance Association (IFRA) guidelines. We support ingredient transparency with our community and provide ingredient disclosures on our product labels and website.
PATTERN products are proudly made in the USA utilizing domestic and imported packaging. Our Tools & Accessories are made in China.
Although our products are not sulfate-free, they are free of SLS & SLES. Our products do not contain any harsh, hair-stripping solvents, and our Hydration Shampoo provides the gentle suds needed to get in there while scrubbing the hair and scalp to give you a good wash day! Our products hydrate, condition, nourish and moisturize the hair even while cleaning.
Yes, each PATTERN product is developed a lab-tested to be color safe.
While not all of our items are gluten-free, we do have a selection of products that are. Please use our filters on the PATTERN website to find gluten-free products for your curls & coils.
While our formulas do not contain peanuts, which is the biggest allergen in the nut family, many of our formulas do contain Sweet Almond Oil, which has been used for centuries in curly hair for moisture retention. Please consult your physician prior to use if you are known to have nut allergies.
Yes! No animals were harmed in the making of these products. We test all of our products on a panel of people with curly, coily and tightly textured hair perfecting on us humans and never on animals. Our brand is PETA-certified.
Not completely. Some of our items contain Honey which is known for its moisturizing properties. Please use our filters on the PATTERN website to find certified vegan products for your curls & coils.
Yes, we always try to keep sustainability in mind when bringing new products into the world. All of our packaging is recyclable. Our tubes & caps are both fully-recyclable polypropylene (PP), and you don’t even have to separate the cap from the tube when recycling. Bottles are HDPE or glass (fully recyclable), and we use paper components where possible (paper is fully recyclable). Please contact your local recycling company to learn how to recycle in your area.
PATTERN products are free of cyclic silicones (D4, D5 & D6) and comply with EU/UK standards. We formulated our products very conscious of the particular silicones we chose and at which levels in order to provide the best curly hair care experience without weighing down the hair. Learn more HERE.
We used Amodimethicone in our Hydration Shampoo, Medium Conditioner & Leave-in Conditioner for conditioning performance. Commonly used in conditioners, Amodimethicone is a non-cyclic silicone that is super lightweight and offers great conditioning benefits to the hair. Our team is currently working & committed to testing high-performance alternatives for the future.
PATTERN uses plant-based surfactants that are free of harsh surfactants, but we did not formulate these products specifically for children and didn’t test them to be tear-free. However, that is always a possibility for the future!
Our formulas are recommended to be used only by children 6 and up.
All PATTERN products have been formulated with hydration and conditioning as the key benefits of every product as we know curly heads of hair can experience the most trouble retaining moisture. Our Jojoba Oil Hair Serum helps to create a sacred space for your scalp. It’s a super lightweight, residue-free blend of beautiful oils like Safflower Oil, Jojoba Oil, Rosehip Oil, Olive Oil & Lavender Oil to boost hydration. Our Scalp Serum will invigorate and calm your itchy scalp regardless of hair type or hair density.
When developing the line, the PATTERN team, led by our boss lady leader Tracee Ellis Ross, was very specific with every detail. Each of our products has the “PATTERN slip” which allows easy slide & glide, promotes great “clumping” & gives gorgeous curl definition. Our packaging was developed to provide maximum product usage & to add value to your hair experience. Our conditioners are larger in size because we know how curly, coily & tight-textures condition more than shampoo.
Yes. All consumer goods that are sold in Europe and the United Kingdom are required to pass regulatory testing and meet stringent compliance standards. All PATTERN products have passed US, EU/UK regulatory compliance, including Dermatology testing and safety assessments. We are dedicated to annual reviews and ongoing evaluations.
We try to use as many sustainably–sourced raw materials as possible in our formulas.
We believe in sourcing ingredients that cause no harm to the environment & strive to incorporate ingredients that can biodegrade as nature intended.
Finished products & raw materials are never tested on animals. All products must comply with PETA Cruelty-Free requirements.
The raw materials used are not to be sourced from endangered plant species.
The raw materials used cannot have a negative effect on the ecosystems from which they are sourced.
The raw materials are sourced with respect for sustainability.
Palm-derived ingredients should only come from RSPO suppliers.